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Listen: The Blues ProgramNewt Perry coaching Ann Blyth during filming - Weeki Wachee Spring, Florida.
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Newt Perry worked as a performer and promoter for Silver Springs and managed Wakulla Springs before opening Weeki Wachee Springs, famed for its underwater mermaid shows, which Perry designed. He was also instrumental for the filming of MGM's "Tarzan Finds a Son!" (1939), originally titled "Tarzan in Exile", at Silver Springs and "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (1941) at Wakulla Springs through his friendship with filmmaker Grantland Rice and actor-swimmer Johnny Weissmuller (who played Tarzan). He also influenced Universal Studio's decision to film the "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and its two sequels in Florida (including Wakulla and Silver Springs) as well as the hiring of local swimmer Ricou Browning to portray the Creature. Perry spent much of his later life working as a swimming instructor in Ocala, Florida.
"Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" (1948) directed by Irving Pichel and starred William Powell as Mr. Peabody and Ann Blyth as the Mermaid. It was filmed at Weeki Wachee.
Photograph dedicated and signed by Ann Blyth.
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